Access Issue: Stage II Fire Restrictions and Closures in Place as of 8:00 AM May 23
Details

As many of you know Coconino and Kaibab National Forests have implemented Stage II Fire Restrictions. To see what this means check this link fs.usda.gov/detail/coconino… Starting May 23, large portions of the Coconino and Kaibab Forests will be closed to entry. Yes, this means that many of our local crags will be shut down until August unless rescinded earlier due to monsoon rains. This first closure affects The Pit, The Peaks Crag, Hobo Jungle, West Elden, Solitude Canyon, and Kelly Canyon. All of Bill Williams Mt. is closed. All of the San Francisco Peaks is closed. All of Mt. Elden is closed. This is a normal response to an unusually dry winter and threatening fire season. Total forest closure is expected before Memorial Day. LARGE fines of up to 5000$ are in place for people who do not respect the closure. Forest service personnel are driving the forest roads and flying the skies to track illegal activities. There is even a volunteer group, Woods Wathchers that reports suspicious activity. In addition to these closures, much of the state trust lands in Northern Arizona are closed as well (Winslow Wall). Do your research before heading out, because as I said, there will be big fines.

Areas that are still open include Sedona, Oak Creek Canyon, The Overlook, The Waterfall, Paradise Forks, Volunteer Canyon, Jacks Canyon, Priest Draw, and Buffalo Park. But you had better double check!

Viet Springs is the original "Peaks" bouldering area located on the San Francisco Peaks. Viet Spring trickles from a short andecite cliff that is shrouded by massive aspen trees. The boulders are scattered beneath the wall. This is a gorgeous area that sees little climbing traffic, but is very popular amongst hikers on summer weekends. The rock can be sharp at times, but there are several classic problems here. Developed around 2000 by BLIMP and others. Not a winter area, but a great place to escape the summertime heat.

Drive about 4.5 miles up Snowbowl Road to a large parking area/trail head on the right with room for about 10 cars. There is a fence and a gate. Walk through the gate and go immediately right on a wide trail along the fence line. Follow this wide trail as it curves left and past a tall rock on your left. Continue as the wide trail curves down and right, but after about 100 yards take a left at the first fork on a skinnier, but worn, trail. After a hundred yards or so this trail merges with the power line. Continue along this trail under the powerline, heading South. After a couple minutes, this trail pops out of the trees into an open area with huge aspen trees and scattered boulders. Most of the bouldering is left(north) of the abandoned cabins and the spring. 10 minute approach.